June 2, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

SEPA – Rainfall school education project

SEPA is looking to expand its existing volunteer rainfall observer program. This work includes the development of an online data entry portal and data visualisation facility.

To complement this work, SEPA is piloting collaboration with around 40 schools nationally. For the pilot we would like a good mix of both primary and secondary educators.

As well as providing useful data for SEPA and the Met Office, the project will hopefully develop a variety of skills and educational opportunities

What’s involved?

SEPA will supply a raingauge and the school will be required to find an optimal location within the school grounds. The raingauge is supplied with a bracket that will need to be attached to a wooden post using screws and a screw driver. Each morning as close to 9am GMT as possible, someone from the school is required to record the rainfall that has accumulated in the gauge. The rainfall measurement can then be entered in the data entry website whenever it is convenient. Although it is most beneficial for us to have a measurement be taken every day, it is OK to have some periods of no measurement such as over weekends and holidays so long as the next entry made reflects that it is a cumulative reading.

The value of the data record increases with age and so ideally we would like our volunteer schools to view this as a long term, ongoing venture. More detailed information will be disseminated to schools taking part. The data entry website can be viewed at https://envscot-csportal.org.uk/rainfallobs/

If you are interested in taking part please contact Cordelia Menmuir at email: cordelia.menmuir@sepa.org.uk Tel: 01738 448 835

Further resources to download:

SEPA Rainfall_Citizen Science

Rainfall Observer_Project Overview

June 2, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

Scotland’s Environment Website launches new Citizen Science portal

Why we built the portal

Citizen Science is really important to the partners in Scotland’s Environment. It generates data which are used to make decisions, set priorities and debate issues, but just as importantly, it promotes citizen education, empowerment, health and wellbeing. By building this portal, we want to improve the support that is available to Citizen Science projects, especially in relation to gathering data, making it easy to view and understand, and easy to discuss.

What the portal does

The portal helps us to bring information on a variety of projects into one place, covering topics as diverse as weather, soils, air quality, water quality and protected species. We want to make it easier for participants to take part in projects, find a home for new projects they have created, see their contribution and discuss it with others. The portal also provides a place for us to try out new approaches towards data gathering and engagement, new tools and new resources.

Visit the portal at: https://envscot-csportal.org.uk/

Visit Scotland’s Environment website at: http://www.environment.scotland.gov.uk/get-learning/

June 2, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

Visit Diamond Light – the UK’s largest particle accelerator

There are still a few places left on the inaugural SSERC physics and technology Diamond school.

Diamond light is the UK’s largest particle accelerator based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories at Harwell. The facilities there developed an anti-virus for foot and mouth, test the integrity of Rolls Royce turbine blades and are growing new high efficiency solar cell crystals amongst other developments.

The visit will allow you to experience first-hand some of the U.K.’s leading research and see how much of its work is based here in Scotland. It is a great opportunity to see different disciplines working together using techniques such as X-ray diffraction and interference to study anything from the timbers of the Mary Rose, to the structure of novel materials. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of their work we would particularly welcome joint applications from technology and physics teachers.

The course will allow you to build, code and take away your own Lego based Linear Accelerator and CT scanner. The LINAC output drives a Lego plotter that draws the interference pattern, rather than a display screen, a great way to engage learners.

Whilst a smaller facility than CERN, Diamond Light is more accessible and just as mind blowing. You’ll be able to walk on top of the accelerator and visit the beamline experiments in their labs. You will have opportunities to meet engineers and researchers where they work.

To help you prepare we’ve organised a SSERCmeet for those on the course with researchers and engineers around the globe on how the facility works, what they use it for and the intended impact on society.

The visit is on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th October. After the visit we’ll follow it up with a day at SSERC where you’ll have the opportunity to meet some of the Scottish based researchers and engineers using Diamond Light and discuss how to weave its work into your curriculum.

Teachers from state funded school will be eligible for Enthuse funding to cover the course fees and contribute to your travel. A chance to get your Physics and Engineering senses excited again and discover new practical science opportunities for your schools.

Further details are available on the SSERC website, in the Physics CPD section, or by emailing sts@sserc.org.uk

May 15, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

e-Bug website update

e-Bug is a free educational resource website that can be used by primary and secondary schools in Scotland as a fun way to investigate and learn about micro-organisms and the prevention and treatment of infection.

The website has resources for both teachers and students and these are linked to Sciences and Health and Wellbeing experiences and outcomes.

Teaching resources include lesson plans, worksheets, animations and presentations.
Students resources include online games and revision pages to continue the learning experience at home.

There’s also a promotional poster and leaflet and these can be downloaded at http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/haiic/ic/index.aspx

Attached below is the latest School Newsletter which contains information on

New student website and game updates
e-Bug rewards and collectables
Big Bang fair
Training module
Public Health matters blog

e-Bug School Newsletter May 2016

May 10, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

Baird of Bute Canadian Scholarship – Apply now

Please note change in contact email for the Baird of Bute Society. Applications should be sent to: bairdstudent@gmail.com

The Baird of Bute Society is offering a fabulous scholarship opportunity to two Scottish school leavers in July this year. The scholarship is now in its third year.

The Scholarship has been developed by the Baird of Bute Society to honour Andrew Baird, a Bute blacksmith, who in 1910 achieved the First Attempted All-Scottish Heavier than Air Powered Flight in an aircraft of his own design and manufacture. The Society employs Baird’s example to inspire young people in Scotland to aspire to greatness in their lives.

The successful Scholarship applicants will spend between two and three weeks taking part in the Baird of Bute Society’s “Bench to Bedside” programme in a number of Toronto-based institutions and organisations. The programme provides participants with the opportunity to follow developments in the life sciences from the genesis of an idea through to research, development, testing, clinical and human trials and all the way to its introduction at the bedside.

The programme includes time at the Gunning Group at the University of Toronto, led by Scotland’s own Dr Patrick Gunning, which is one of the World’s most celebrated bio chemistry research groups, which is currently working on a drug which is aimed at treating three forms of cancer. Participants will also visit several Toronto healthcare facilities and will complete a tailored laboratory programme in the world-renowned Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. Through these opportunities, the participants will enhance their science knowledge and skills and will have numerous opportunities for multi-disciplinary networking and continuing education. The Baird of Bute Society Canadian Science Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for the participants to broaden and deepen their interest in and understanding of science before pursuing their own studies in a life science course at university level.

Further information about the programme and how to apply is attached. I’d be grateful if you could forward this to your local authority Faculty Head and Biology contacts to make them aware of this opportunity. Each school is able to nominate one candidate who must be 18 years old by 1 June 2016 and who must have an unconditional offer to study a life science course. or related discipline, at university.

You may also be interested in the introductory video produced by the Baird of Bute Society and the blogs written by previous participants in 2014 and 2015.

Applications should be sent to Chris Markwell at bairdstudent@gmail.com by no later than 23^rd May 2016. The two to three week scholarship will commence on or around the 8^th July 2016.

Please download supporting documents below:

Baird Canadian Scholarship APPLICATION 2016

Baird Canadian Scholarship Requirements

Baird Canadian Scholarship Poster

Baird Canadian Scholarship Online Information

Baird Canadian Scholarship Briefing 2016

May 6, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

Arkwright Scholarships Trust

Do you want to reward your best National 5 STEM students and set them on the path to a successful career in engineering and design?

If so, the Arkwright Engineering Scholarships could be the tool you are looking for. These are highly-sought-after Scholarships for high-potential STEM students keen to pursue a future career in engineering in its widest sense, including computing, chemical engineering and ‘technical’ aspects of product design (as opposed to aesthetics). The competitive application process, comprises: student application form; teacher reference; two-hour engineering aptitude exam; 20-minute interview. Successful applicants become Arkwright Engineering Scholars and receive a two-year programme of enrichment while studying Advanced Highers / A levels in their own schools/colleges. Scholars receive £600 to spend on engineering activities of their choice. School Departments receive £400 for every student who secures a Scholarship (or £200 if your school is an 11-16 school where the students go to a local college for Highers / A levels).

Teachers spend a few hours each autumn to support students’ applications, including writing a short reference for each applicant; help applicants go through past Arkwright exam papers and offer a mock interview in the early spring term; spend an hour or two each summer writing a brief progress report about each of their Scholars.

You can join the 900+ schools and colleges who already benefit across the UK, by:

Reading the schools’ brochure (http://www.arkwright.org.uk/welcome/pdfs/SchoolBrochure.pdf )
affiliating at http://www.arkwright.org.uk/pdf/affiliation.pdf (affiliation is FREE)
Or
Contact our Schools Coordinator Emma Golbourn (01926 333210, egolbourn@arkwright.org.uk) for an informal chat and to arrange a visit from your local Arkwright schools Liaison Officer.

May 5, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

HND in Industrial Biotechnology

HND in Industrial Biotechnology

Biotechnology uses living organisms and systems to make products for a range of uses, including biofuels, agriculture and pharma products.

This new HND delivered at both Forth Valley College and Glasgow Kelvin College, develops the study of biology, chemistry and process engineering in an industrial biotechnology context. It covers a wide broad spectrum of subjects to equip learners with a broad understanding of biology, chemistry, process engineering for the industrial biotechnology job market.

Indicative Content

Year 1

Laboratory Skills
Microbiology
Chemical Engineering Principles
Chemistry
Biotechnology: An Introduction

Year 2

Graded unit project
Animal and Plant cell culture
Immunology
Animal Biology
Organic Chemistry
Process operations

The HND Industrial Biotechnology course may lead to entry to a degree course at University or you may wish to seek employment within industry.

Progression

Students can progress to 2nd or 3rd Year entry to relevant University Degree courses.

Career Path

Successful completion of this HND will leave students well prepared for employment as a Science Laboratory Technician, Research Scientist, Process Operator and Production Scientist.

Applications for August 2016 are open now and further details may be accessed via the links below.

Forth Valley College

Glasgow Kelvin College

Download flyer about the HND in Industrial Biotechnology

May 5, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

Glasgow Science Festival 9-19 June 2016

Glasgow Science Festival Schools Programme: Now Live!

For the past ten years, Glasgow Science Festival has been delighted to offer a bumper programme of FREE events for schools.

This year the festival will celebrate its 10^th birthday with events running from 9-19 June. From human biology to quantum physics and zoology, there’s a fantastic diversity of subjects to capture the minds of pupils and teachers alike.

Places are available for pupils in Primary 4 through to Secondary 6.

Give your class the chance to be scientists for the day and book online at: http://www.glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk

For the latest news and updates, don’t forget to join our mailing list.

May 5, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

Reach-out to award-winning online professional learning in science

Following a procurement exercise by Education Scotland, this award-winning resource is available to all practitioners in state-funded schools in Scotland with Glow access until July 2017.

Just sign in via RM Unify to get started or click on the orange button at the top of the Reach-Out CPD homepage and sign in with your Glow account details!

Primary science isn’t just about nurturing the scientists of the future. It’s about ensuring every child develops a natural curiosity about the world around them and starts to think analytically about situations.

Teachers are key to creating this science-literate society. They can inspire children to think more scientifically. Teacher confidence has been proven to impact children’s outcomes in science, but, naturally, most primary school teachers don’t have a science background.

That’s why Twig World have developed Reach Out CPD – to give every primary school teacher the professional development, support and materials they need to teach science with confidence. And to make it fun!

Over 20 courses for teaching 5-11 year olds cover everything from plants to planets. Each one provides teachers with concise topic knowledge and a whole raft of resources to use in class, including captivating short videos, practical activities and experiments, whiteboard visuals and more.

May 5, 2016
by I. Menzies
0 comments

Quantum Tunnelling Webinar – 4pm on Thurs 26th May

Thur 26^th May @ 4pm

Join us at 4pm on Thursday 26th May as Dr Sarah Croke discusses quantum tunnelling (QT) concepts from the AH physics syllabus, including the mechanisms behind QT and some of its real-world applications. Sarah will give a 45-50 min talk live, followed by questions. Attendees are also welcome to ask questions at any time during the talk. Sarah is a Lecturer at Glasgow University, and her research interests are quantum information and quantum measurement.

This webinar is intended to help support teachers delivering the new CfE in AH physics, and is being delivered as a partnership between Education, SSERC and the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. To register and take part in the event email: Gregor.steele@sserc.org.uk

The recording will be made freely available on YouTube via the ‘SSERC World Service’ channel after the event, and the video will also be posted on Glow.